Additional names

Origin

This is a hybrid fish, the exact hybridisation is unknown, but it's said to be a cross between a Severum, Midas Cichlid and Red Devil. They are often boycotted by respectable fish stores due to their abnormalities.

Sexing

These fish are not easy to sex, males should have longer and more pointed fins whereas females fins are shorter and more rounded. Males are usually infertile.

Tank compatibility

Best kept in species tanks or with other medium sized semi-aggressive/aggressive American Cichlids. Must not be kept with fish small enough to be eaten nor with much larger aggressive fish.

Diet

Not a fussy eater and will take many foods such as Cichlid pellets, daphnia and bloodworms.

Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

Environment Specifics

Appreciate a large tank with wood and rock décor. Will rearrange the tank to suit its needs.

Behaviour

Very big personalities, can become aggressive with other fish if laying eggs.

Identification

Red-orange in colour, with a short, almost stunted, round laterally compressed body. The mouth on this truly stands out as, because of the hybridisation, it is unable to close it's mouth fully. Due to the hybridisation they also often have other abnormalities such as deformed swimbladders, stunted spines and oddly, exceptionally large irises.

Species Note

This fish is also commonly seen as a victim of being a dyed fish. Dyed Blood Parrots are often referred to as Jelly Bean. Their true colour is red to orange, anything other than that, or a red just too vibrant, they've been dyed. They have also been seen being victims of the horrific fad of tattooing fish, and even being mutilated to appear heart shaped by cruelly amputating the tail.